8 speed auto vs. 6 MT

[MiddleFingaz]

Sooo...

whats with the rarity of the 6MT ??

My dealership has a bunch of 328's in stock (36 i believe), and I think there is only 1 manual transmission on the lot.

What gives ??

[rolltidef30]

Sooo...

whats with the rarity of the 6MT ??

My dealership has a bunch of 328's in stock (36 i believe), and I think there is only 1 manual transmission on the lot.

What gives ??

Ahh, a purist... You're a rare breed now my friend. The auto is so good, there is more traffic than it was back in the day, or like me, my wife wouldn't let me get the manual.

However, I do have the paddle shifters for when I get the chance to bow out some douche in a mustang or A4 or A5! :-)

[Jamesons Viggen]

I had to order a manual as they were so scarce on dealer lots. I also did not wan't $15k in options, that limited it even more.

[Pyewacket69]

Sooo...

whats with the rarity of the 6MT ??

My dealership has a bunch of 328's in stock (36 i believe), and I think there is only 1 manual transmission on the lot.

What gives ??

Simple answer...

Very few buyers want manual transmissions anymore, and many that do want few/no options.

The dealerships make less profit from these "minimum optioned" cars, and they don't move as fast off the lots as you might think.

Now, if you were selling products, and you had the choice of making a few $$$ from a sale .vs. a lot of $$$ from a sale, which product would you sell?

[bigdog68]

I'm picking up an Estoril Blue 335i M Sport in Munich this coming January. When you get to the point of having to order the car to get it the way you want it, you can save $3,000 by picking it up in Germany at the factory - great thing for me is that I was already planning to be in Germany this winter to go skiing, so now I don't have to rent a car! It's like the perfect storm of awesome.

[tdd]

Sooo...

whats with the rarity of the 6MT ??

...

What gives ??
The 3-series has gotten so big (as big as the older 5-series) that its become more of the family cruiser than the true sports sedan/coupe/convert it was with the smaller E36's and E46's. Folks who buy these types of cars don't get MT's. They've got too much going on in the car while driving (phone, navi, iDrive, audio, kids, etc.) to have to deal with a stick and a clutch pedal. The 8AT is a nice compromise.

[Rocket99]

I'm picking up an Estoril Blue 335i M Sport in Munich this coming January. When you get to the point of having to order the car to get it the way you want it, you can save $3,000 by picking it up in Germany at the factory


But what other expenses do you have besides your travel to Germany? Does BMW pay for transatlantic shipment, and then from the port to your city? Is the $3k savings truly an apples to apples comparison?

[Pyewacket69]

But what other expenses do you have besides your travel to Germany? Does BMW pay for transatlantic shipment, and then from the port to your city? Is the $3k savings truly an apples to apples comparison?

I suggest you go to BMW's website and check out the European delivery section there.

Specifically, to answer your questions, yes, transAtlantic shipment, along with shipment to your dealer is included in the price.

[sak335]

Just picked up our manual (special-ordered; it's my wife's) car a few days ago. The manual is the hands-down winner. I've heard a bunch of praise for the 8-speed auto, but after driving it several times I was unimpressed. I do hate automatics in general, so take that with a grain of salt, but this one did nothing to change my mind. The car is bigger than the outgoing car, but it's still small by American car standards. The manual just feels better, especially with a small-displacement engine, and the stop/start still works just fine.

[jlhertel]

Did you get a 328 or 335?

[sak335]

We bought a 328, which is what I meant by "small displacement". I don't see a need for a 335 when 0-60 times are so close and really, that's where my wife will spend most of her time in this car.

[bigdog68]

When you look at what the tuners are doing to the 4 it's very impressive, however with what we know of the past N55 and N54 engine cars, it's only a matter of time before the new N55 is cracked and we can see numbers that will rival that of the E92 M3, hence one of the reasons I decided to switch my plan from the 328i to the 335i.

[cardnation]

I enjoy the connection to the vehicle one experiences with the MT. For me there was no choice.

[thrillbilly]

I enjoy the connection to the vehicle one experiences with the MT. For me there was no choice.

One of the few things on which I'll ever agree with a cards fan

[xcore]

Sooo...

whats with the rarity of the 6MT ??

My dealership has a bunch of 328's in stock (36 i believe), and I think there is only 1 manual transmission on the lot.

What gives ??

ask yourself, how many Korean soccer mom can drive a stick, close to zero, car guys are not the only one buying bmw and majority can even tell the difference between a rwd and a fwd.

[cardnation]

One of the few things on which I'll ever agree with a cards fan

:thumbup:

[flakmunky]

Folks who buy these types of cars don't get MT's. They've got too much going on in the car while driving (phone, navi, iDrive, audio, kids, etc.) to have to deal with a stick and a clutch pedal.

Driving a manual is second nature for many; you don't even think about it so I would disagree with this statement. I certainly don't find it attracting or another thing to think about.

I'm currently driving a Jaguar XF which I am trading for a F31 manual as I miss a MT.

i think the reason a lot of people go for AT is the same reason we all tend to buy automatic washing machines; why do it yourself when a machine can do it for you! But if you enjoyed washing clothes then you *might* buy an old-style twin tub washing machine!

[QTC]

I struggled finding a manual also, although it was only slightly harder than finding a RWD car. Lucked out and found one inbound on a ship. Having road-tripped a 328xi 8-speed to GA and back a few months ago, I'm happy with my choice.

[The Cleaner]

Dealers don't stock many manuals, they are boat anchors. If you want a manual it's always best to order it.

[DStein]

I enjoy the connection to the vehicle one experiences with the MT. For me there was no choice.

+ one million.